Democrats and Republicans Fight It Out…On The Baseball Field
In typical American political fashion, the Congressional Democrats and Republicans will be battling it out today.
But, this time it will begin at 7:05 pm and take place at Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals.
The annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity has been taking place since 1909 and according to its website, “has been the only annual partisan showdown beloved by all and enjoyed by thousands.’’
Well, that’s probably true.
Over the years the game has become a charity game and supported The Washington Literary Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and The Nationals Dream Foundation.
According to The Washington Post, “Republicans are hoping to stay on top with their all-time wins record against the Democrats, while the Dems want to keep their streak going – they’ve beaten the GOP five years in a row and last year shut them out 22-0.’’
Roll Call hosts the game and given it extensive coverage, including a list of players to watch in tonight’s game: Rep. Linda T. Sánchez, Rep. Tom Rooney, Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Sen. Joe Donnelly and Rep. Bill Shuster.
Tickets for the game are $10, seating is first come first serve and will be available until the first pitch.
According to the History, Art & Archives for the US House of Representatives, The Boston Daily Globe reported in 1909 after the first game:
“The game was brewing for weeks and the members of the house were keyed up a high pitch of enthusiasm. Deep, dark rumors were in circulation that ‘ringers’ would be introduced, but when they lined up at 4 o’clock the nine republicans were stalwart, grand old party men, while the democrats were of the pure Jeffersonian strain.’’
I guess we will see what “ringers’’ emerge tonight and if the tensions are as high as they have been on Capitol Hill.
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